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For immediate release:  May 21, 2007 (Clyde, NC)

HRMC Foundation Barbecue Celebrates Generous Donations

The Haywood Regional Medical Center Foundation Annual Donor Recognition Celebration was held at the Laurel Ridge Country Club Pavilion on Tuesday May 15. Contributors received first hand presentations from physicians about how their donations have made a positive impact on the health and quality of life of people in our community.

Urologist Richard Steele, M.D. illustrated how the addition of a state-of-the art Surgery Center to our community will benefit patients, their families and physicians. Steele noted the need for a planned, centrally located surgical center will enhance quality of care, increase privacy and alleviate the present logistical confusion for doctors, patients and their families.

Waynesville Family Practice’s Michael Pass, M.D., who serves as medical director for the Hospice of Haywood Regional Medical Center, shared critical reasons why a new Hospice building is needed to serve our growing community. He stated numerous compelling examples of how Hospice improves the quality of end-of-life experiences for patients and their families.

Richard Lang, M.D. with Haywood Medical Imaging gave a slide presentation to share how donations for technology have translated to improved patient care. Giving specific examples of patient outcomes, he noted that radiological procedures recently helped one man who couldn’t walk more than 200 yards due to pain become a 2 mile a day walker over a period of 6 months. In addition, some of the advanced procedures presently performed in radiology are helping patients forego traditional surgery for removal of abscesses. “Less invasive procedures mean quicker healing time for patients,” he said.

He also said that HRMC has been a leader in Western North Carolina – utilizing CT scans 18 months before other facilities in WNC to diagnose kidney stones, and that the mammography equipment presently being utilized can detect early breast cancer – again, technology in use 18 months before any facility in the state west of Charlotte. While dollar figures can be put on the equipment, he deemed the outcomes “priceless”.

Referring to the generosity of the contributors in attendance, Phyllis Prevost said “It’s heartwarming to see such generous support.” She noted “A quality community is enhanced by a quality hospital, which is why I’ve given in years past, this year and why I will give every year – even after I’m gone.”